Week 4 – #A4. Patriotism

“How can this possibly happen in our town?” was the question asked over and over again on July 16th when a coward, Mohammad Youssuf Abdulazeez, opened fire on a recruiting station in Chattanooga, TN and then drove seven miles to a U. S. Navy facility where he rammed the gate, opened fire killing four U. S. Marines and wounding three others before he was fatally shot by a police officer. A U. S. Navy sailor later died from his wounds. While in Chattanooga this month, there was one place I wanted to visit…the U. S. Navy facility. As I stood at the entrance of the facility in the midst of a sea of American flags placed in both directions as far as the eye could see, I was overwhelmed with the showing of patriotism. With my heart pounding, chill bumps covering my body and tears streaming from my eyes, I photographed the scene, although a partial view. I have many friends and family members, past and present, who served or are presently serving in the military and I am deeply saddened as a result of this tragedy. I am asking that you keep the families of the deceased and wounded in your hearts and prayers.